Sunday, July 3, 2016

Run, don’t walk, to get this book! It is a practical guide to always getting a better outcome if you follow his advice. His advice makes so much sense, along with examples and the explanation of ‘why’ something worked. I most loved his examples of ‘use your late night DJ voice’ – and we all know what that sounds like. His technique of mirroring is spot on. I’ve been doing it for years, trained as a Transformative Mediator, which works just as he describes it.I was one of the first to study Fisher and Ury’s Getting to Yes before I graduated law school in 1982. Just as Chris Voss describes, this approach is so limited compared to what Chris recommends. I’ve been a Mediator (Florida Supreme Court Certified in Circuit Civil and Family) for over 12 years. My success is based directly on the principles Voss espouses. These work.The good news is once you become aware of the labels he uses, you will find yourself recognizing and putting into practice his approach almost seamlessly. I found new techniques and an excellent refresher course in his information. Everybody negotiates every day. This is a great guide to doing it better. Anne BloomUnless you’ve been a lead international negotiator for the FBI, this book will open your mind to the how’s and why’s of high stakes negotiating.We live in a world of conflict and the biggest obstacle for overcoming it is fear. What could be a higher stake then when gambling on one man’s life? Chris Voss, takes the reader to the threshold and then walks the reader through it. The words are simply, empowering.The mindset of the author is clear, the value of being a skilled negotiator will improve your relationships and position you to get the things which will impact your life and others around you.Grateful for having this. Marc CohenVoss draws you in with some requisite self back-patting and stories of famous negotiating failures in law enforcement. Lesson 1: Understand why people want, not what people want, most notably, people want to be understood and accepted. "Listening is not a passive activity. It is the most active thing you can do." Voss quickly recounts a hostage situation where it takes an entire team to listen to one person. Who would have ever thought?Voss reminds us that we may never have to deal with negotiating with a kidnapper or terrorist, but "life is negotiation." However, he goes on to explain that most of our daily interactions at home and work are a series of negotiations based on the universal urge of "I want."The title suggests rigidity most of us don't encounter in the workplace and Voss explains early that a hostage negotiator "has to win." He can't split the difference by agreeing to let the hostage taker hand over half their captives and dispatch the rest. But, for the rest of us his book reads with a combination of adventure and valuable lessons that we can adapt with a lot more flexibility than Voss ever could. He gets to the practical applications in everyday life, but his negotiating style and skill clearly were formed by a long career of never being able to compromise. Most of us will never shed the stresses and anxieties that often come with negotiation, but trying a few of the skills presented by Voss at least has the possibility of shaving off a few dollars the next car purchase. After all, car salesman don't tend to take hostages. Patrick Whiteside

This book has a lot of valuable material about negotiation regardless of whether you are an experienced or novice negotiator.I graduated from business school over forty years ago, and negotiation skills were not part of the curriculum.This book is invaluable for any old or new dog that wants to learn new tricks.The author helps the reader understand the psychology that is embodied in a negotiation. Negotiation should not be a clash of wills or butting of heads. According to the author, you have to give your opponent “illusion of control.” Know the difference between “you’re right” and “that’s right” responses.Ask “ calibrated questions.”This is a book that needs to be read several times in order to be able to process and implement the strategies that the author provides.Keep this book on your bookshelf and continually review and practice the skills outlined in the book. Michael GeringerGreat title that instantly made me want to read the book. I am a real estate agent as well as an investor, so negotiation is of utmost importance to me. I never want to split the difference as I want my price. Although negotiation is a part of life, I initially assumed this book would be about real estate investing so I was a little disappointed when the book opens with hostage negotiations. Although the stories about his hostage negotiations are interesting I got tired of them and wanted to get on with situations that would most effect my work.I have always been of the opinion that everything in life is negotiable and that attitude has served me well. I did pick up some pointers that I will put to use. I found the 7-38-55 percent rule very interesting, and for that very reason I hate trying to negotiate in an email or over the phone. Sadly so much of today’s real estate involves negotiation by fax, which albeit very convenient doesn’t give you the opportunity of rapport building and mirroring. Emily Gilday Miami, FloridaI was interested in reading this book because I use similar books in several of my classes. I wanted to see if there were any "new ideas" on an old and familiar topic - negotiating. The opening chapters grabbed my attention, since the author is very confident of his skills and tactics. He made a very interesting statement that the first step is getting over the common aversion to negotiating. I think most people are adverse to negotiating and feel that in order to be successful, you have to go in hard, in order to not appear to be weak. The author identifies several tactics, that on the surface, seem logical, such as using open ended, or calibrated, questions repetitively, as well as slowing the process down to buy time, shifting the frame of conversation from your counterpart's problem to solving your problem, the importance of listening, showing respect and the gathering of information. Other tactics highlighted include mirroring and labeling. I was intrigued by the concept, "The flip side of Getting to YES - the importance of getting to NO," since Voss feels that NO actually kick starts negotiations. and I agree that it has some merit. However, as the book went on, I started to get a bit bored with all the "success stories" the author discussed. I recognize that Voss uses these stories as successful examples of implementing his strategies and techniques, and did mention a couple of negotiating "failures.". However, I was left with a feeling of arrogance and superiority on the author's part. There are so many variables that affect the success or failure of negotiations; I think I would have found more value in the book if he had delved more deeply into "what ifs...." Although Voss implied that the strategies from Getting to YES (BATNA, etc.) were old school and not very effective, I saw many similarities with Yes and his strategies - he just posed them differently. The author emphasized that several of his techniques should be used in conjunction with other techniques of his. I don't think I would use his book solely for my classes, but I would incorporate several of his techniques with other negotiating styles (Fisher & Ury, etc.). Claire MostelFor a business book, surprisingly entertaining. This a great resource to prepare for, and then handle, negotiations for any type of matter. The techniques are well explained, and a prep-worksheet web link is included. Chris Voss presents solid strategies and approaches to negotiations that, properly applied, will secure the best possible outcome for you the Negotiator. In addition to picking up solid negotiating tools, I really enjoyed seeing how top experts used these tools to resolve high stakes transactions where lives were in the balance. Colorful real world scenarios bring the lessons home. If mastering the art of the business deal is not enough to intrigue you, certainly the excitement of facing kidnappers, bank robbers and international terrorists will. This book details interactions with all. Doramary RusselI loved this book. Author Chris Voss did a great job of illustrating his points with compelling real-life stories, as opposed to simply relying on his reputation as a top-notch hostage negotiator to carry the book. He built in credibility along the way with his analysis of what went right AND wrong and was never afraid to admit when he or his team members made mistakes. He seemed intent on helping the reader learn from his experiences and that generosity of spirit comes through.Part of the reason this book works so well is that the strategies and techniques are based on human psychology, and as the description of the book points out, are "...field-tested tools for talking anyone into (or out of) just about anything." The examples used in the book directly illustrate HOW the tools and techniques work and in certain cases, explain why other approaches don't work. In the situations that went horribly wrong, Voss does a great job of conveying his utter sickness and horror at the lives lost and then is able to step back and explain how it happened like he did in the Burnham-Sobero case in Manila. His ability to debrief and provide lessons learned are invaluable to anyone in any career or in any relationship with other human beings. Voss does a great job of boiling every human interaction down to psychology.The review of each chapter with Key Lessons provides an excellent method for making sure the reader understands and can apply the concepts and techniques. Because of the density of the stories used to illustrate each point, it's helpful to have the key concepts (and the sub-headings within each chapter) to review later. I plan to review these Key Lessons from time to time and refer to this book as I navigate both my personal and professional life. Kathy D. DoranWithout a shadow of doubt, this is one of those books once you have started to read you just do not want to put it down. But even before I had started to read, I was quite impressed with Chris Voss and his background. After all if anyone should know about negotiation, I can't think of anyone better prepared than one who is skilled as a hostage negotiator. Right away Voss points out the use of open ended questions as a tool to better negotiation. Sometimes this is also called calibrated questions. Whatever we choose to call them, they are questions that must be responded to but do not have a fixed response. NO canned answers here! Voss also points out his use of passive-aggressive techniques. He just keeps asking questions until he gets the other side to give up and give him what he wants. I was quite intrigued by Voss account of negotiation in history. He says that over time we found out that brute force just does not work. He shares examples where he says the brute force approach simply pushes the aggressor into the "nuclear option" and people die.Voss talks a lot about his negotiation training at Harvard. He says he discovered that we are not all "rational actors." So simply negotiating to maximize one's own value does not work. We find people are not fully rational or completely selfish and thus their actions are not stable or predictable. Over time negotiators found they had to be trained in quid pro quo bargaining and problem solving. Emotions and emotional intelligence were found to be keys to success. Voss introduced his concept of Tactical Empathy. Listening is key! Looking to influence behavior brings success when a negotiator can get into the mind of the other person. He says "Life Is Negotiation." I won't spoil it for you, GO READ IT! Trained negotiators know they can't stick with what they believe, they have to build several hypothesis and work hard to reveal the other persons surprises. Then comes another concept called Mirroring. It is called isoproxim and essentially is imitation. The language of negotiation is primarily a language of conversational rapport. Page 49 has a lot of Key Lessons worth checking out! Emotions will derail communications. We must be able to label the other person's pain, not feel it.Then comes a whole section with lots more detail on his concept of Tactical Empathy. Let me share just a few points:

Playing dumb is a valid negotiating technique

The key is not sympathy but empathy

Go toward negative dynamics in a fearless but differential manner

Empathy is a very powerful mood enhancer

If you are like me you are besieged with telemarketers and you detest them. Chapter 4 Beware "Yes"-Master "No" reveals a great approach you can use on these folks who are using the "Win at any cost approach" on you. Here comes the Behavioral Change Stairway Model. This is about behavior change, sometimes in life or death situations. Another MUST READ! Voss emphatically says the win-win approach used by many negotiators is usually ineffective and often disastrous. He cautions "Do Not Compromise."The section on being fair is very valuable. He says people are swayed by feeling they are respected. People comply with agreements if they feel they have been treated fairly and they lash out if they don't.Let me stop here. I read the book cover to cover in just a few hours. Buy the book and read it! There are some great lessons that apply in all aspects of our lives. Doug NewberryA wonderful review of tactics to use in negotiation. These suggestions can be used in many contexts, eg buying a car, asking for a raise, or even in financial or legal arenas.Any one can benefit from the insight and experience that Chris Voss brings to the table.I highly recommend reading and learning and from this primer in tactics and strategy. Marvin Stein Coral SpringsHaving written a book about negotiation, I was very interested to see what Chris Voss, a former FBI international hostage negotiator had to say. Even though negotiating with labor unions was not as exciting as negotiating with ruthless hostage takers who might kill a hostage at any misstep, I was surprised that many of his principles were similar to my forty-one rules. For example, we both know the value of 1) being willing to apologize; 2) not negotiating against ourselves; 3) asking open-ended questions like, “How am I supposed to do that?”; 4) the use of silence in a negotiation; and 5) knowing how to negotiate with a crazy person. I learned a few new techniques, too. He suggests using a very specific number when negotiating. $2143.72 sounds like an accountant who has done a lot of number crunching. He showed how to renegotiate a lease with lower monthly rent by pointing out that the landlord’s increased expenses if he gets a new tenant and the apartment is empty for a month or more.I grimaced when I saw that when he bought his new “salsa red pearl” car, a written offer was given that said “You win” with smiley faces on it. I also got the smiley faces and “you win” message for my new blue Ford Escape. Of course, Voss did not take the bait and got the deal he wanted. However, since this was the third round, I foolishly took the “I win” offer. I wonder how many other car buyers get those smiley faces.I give the book five stars. He tells many fascinating stories about hostages and then gives the principles learned in each case. At the end there is an Appendix called Prepare a Negotiation Sheet, which summarizes in a few pages the tools he uses in negotiations. Mary Greenwood, St. Augustine, Author of How to Negotiate Like a ProEnjoyed reading this book a lot. From the very literal sense involving police negotiations through just everyday personal situations. Everything from having a spouse talking down a potential suicide victim from a steep overhead ramp on the interstate to being involved in police work myself for 36 years, the incidents are very relatable. Also, over the years I have been able to (if need be) walk away from potential personal business transactions. These include things like buying a new car & being able to call the salesman's bluff and letting a real estate transaction simmer on the back burner until the other party comes around to your terms.I enjoyed the author's writing style & the contents of the book. Easy to read and didn't want to put it down till it was completed. Terri Bryant Davie, FLNever Split the Difference is a book that truly makes sense of the art of negotiating to the general person. It first grips the attention with anecdotes of negotiations and the styles used to acquire the desired outcomes. The author provides some helpful tips on voice inflection, use of Tactical empathy, and role playing. It builds anticipation in the beginning until the reader is transfixed and determined to master the art. This type of anticipation continues throughout the book.I found myself salivating at the prospect that this book would make me a world class negotiator and it certainly delivered. This should be required reading in every business class. Lots of information on negotiation styles and techniques and offers great insights into the human mind. Even provides negotiation dialogues for every day situations.Easy read because of subtopics in each chapters and content rich with real life situations gives the reader a first row seat into the negotiating room. Working on my DJ voice after this for sure. A definite must in every home library. For those looking to negotiate their next salary, this is the book to teach you how. Deidre Campbell MiamiI found the key lessons from each chapter very useful in breaking down a book packed with real life experiences in mastering the art of negotiating.Practice and preparation are key in how we use our time to process the information to get what we want.What I also found helpful from the book was the author’s breaking down three style type’s from the “methodical analyst”, “sociable accommodator” and the “assertive- wanting to be heard”. Each puts their own value on what’s important and can determine success or failure.Overall the content of the book delivers without being overly complex. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to relate better in negotiating. Peter Kihn Sterling Heights MIEngaging and focused. Voss does an incredible job of keeping a steady flow from the very beginning. It is a perfect layout for attention challenged readers. He tells an interesting story, then what to do, what not to do, why, and closes each chapter with the highlights.Listening, the importance of listening, and the impact of interpreting what you are hearing as to create the appropriate response is the thread from beginning to end. The fundamentals of effective communication permeate through every chapter, scenario, and lesson given. Voss so clearly depicts the impact of communication (verbal and nonverbal), and how it can influence trust and the building of relationships as the negotiator. Verbatim questions to use, and cues to look for make this book a gem to keep handy as you “fake it till you make it.”One of my favorites. How to position “No” differently within your repertoire, and how to use “No” to open up an entirely new direction of a conversation. More people would go into sales if they weren’t afraid of “No.” Finally, do your homework. Voss wants you to succeed. The Appendix is that perfect outline, setting you up to be a successful negotiator. A guided, fill in the blank, and practice what normally feels uncomfortable or unnatural. Voss is holding your hand and leading you through the process. Angie StoneBefore reading this book I thought of negotiating as a given in all of our human interactions, and although it is, I now realize it is a set of skills that can be honed with practice, especially for those people to whom it doesn't come naturally. I am average at best. The ability to put oneself in another person's shoes and see the world through their eyes depends on one developing those skills that Voss sets forth: mirroring, calibrated "How" and "What" questions, using a label to build empathy, and/or to extract more information, smart anchors, saying "No" without using the word explicitly, face time with your counterpart, non-round numbers, listening which Voss emphasizes that, far from what we have been led to believe, it is not a passive activity.That what we're looking for is not problem-solving but a people mover took me by surprise because I am a high school teacher and it is what I instinctively do with my students. Since I am a lone figure in the classroom as their teacher, there is no room for good cop versus bad cop positions. I have to be the one the rely on inside those four walls as well as being a supportive friend off the clock as situations may dictate. It is the emotional climate this book emphasizes is key to negotiating, one the school system must realize is the true foundation for learning. We need authentic, *emotional*, sensitive schools.I love the book because it presents world scenarios, from the seemingly trivial buying real-estate to the more serious hostage-type situations and walks the reader step by step in order to shed light over the common roadblocks we are most likely to encounter. For example, jumping to volunteer a ringleader's full name as a way to let him/her know you're on to them. A premature move to say the least because what are the chances that the person in question would admit to it. I am enchanted by this book since it is practical and I will be reading it again over my Summer break , In Voss words: "Life is negotiation. Prepare, prepare, prepare."Nadja AtkinsonGreat book that details topics helpful for salespeople. This is different than the typical win-win type of negotiating. One strategy used well in this book is to ask open-ended questions to slow down the negotiation, and also to get more information from the other person. The other thing the books shows how to do is getting the other person to agree and believe “that’s right.”You can find several items you can apply right away and start seeing results immediately. One good way to read this book would be to read one chapter at a time, then try and use some of the concepts before moving on to the next chapter.Some of the best techniques are around mirroring people’s words. This is an easy concept to start with, by simply repeating back what the other person said. When this is done, the other person will slightly reword what they said, giving you the ability to tailor their words in a way that helps your side of the negotiation.The book is divided into sections that first start with a type of role playing exercise based on Chris Voss’ real life experiences, then uses that to explain the concept to apply to your negotiating role. About the only negative I had with the book is that Chris Voss spends more time writing about his experience than he does at actually explaining how to apply the concept to business negotiating. On the other hand, there is no filler in this book. The author uses every word purposefully.I also like the way the author adds an appendix to the end of the book, and gives a summary of each section. This appendix also gives sample questions to ask and checklists to help you with the negotiation. Great overall read for anyone looking to enhance negotiation skills. Frank Donn Miami, FL

Chris Voss is truly the expert in negotiating. If anyone knows the expertise in life and death situations as well as business decisions, Chris is the one to call upon.

Chris's personal stories about his negotiations through out the world in real life situations leave you speechless and wanting to read more. Chris has a way of transforming his knowledge and experiences into a manual of how to negotiate any type of situation in business and personal life with a new way of thinking.

This book is a very interesting page turner, the complete opposite of a boring business book. There is nothing else quite like his or even close to Chris's situations and training. I highly recommend Chris Voss book as life is truly one negotiation after another and he helps you see a little more clear the different strategies needed to work towards coming to a positive resolution. Trisha Molina Miami

Friday, April 15, 2016

Voss makes the provocative argument that everything we’ve previously been taught about negotiation is wrong: humans are not rational; there is no such thing as ‘fair’; compromise is the worst thing you can do; the real art of negotiation lies in mastering the intricacies of No, not Yes. These surprising tactics — which radically diverge from conventional negotiating strategy — weren’t cooked up in a classroom, but are the field-tested tools FBI agents used to talk criminals and hostage-takers around the world into (or out of) just about any scenario you can imagine.

In NEVER SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE, Voss and co-author Tahl Raz break down these strategies so that anyone can use them in the workplace, in business, or at home. Voss draws on his experiences in truly life-or-death situations to illustrate these techniques, and offers scores of examples of how they translate into our working lives. He explains how simple these tools can be, such as your tone of voice, the types of questions you ask the other party, or even how you enter the conversation in the first place. Successfully asking for a raise, a new position, a client concession, or a change to the terms of a contract can all be influenced by the techniques outlined in the book. Voss was part of the generation that revolutionized and refined the FBI’s approach to the process of negotiation. And now he can help readers do the same in their own lives.

We spend most of our days at work negotiating for something. Knowing the most successful, crisis-tested approaches to the process will ensure the conversation more frequently goes your way. What sets these strategies apart from other negotiation paradigms — i.e., the standard thinking in negotiations is to approach them as logical and sequential problems to be solved—is the injection of emotional intelligence and empathy into the negotiation process. This was the game-changer for the FBI, Voss writes, and these are the unique skills emphasized in NEVER SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Chris Voss teaches negotiation at the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business and at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. He has also taught at institutions such as Harvard University, the Sloan School of Management, and the Kellogg School of Management. Through his firm The Black Swan Group, Voss works with Fortune 500 companies around the world. He is a frequent guest on CNN and Fox News, and has appeared on The Daily Show, Anderson Cooper 360, and NPR.

Sunday, August 30, 2015

I found this to be another of those books I could not put down once I started reading. I read the book from cover to cover in one sitting. I found this book to be an easy ready and it kept my attention throughout. The author makes some very practical suggestions on how to deal with "busy."

The author makes a very interesting point right up front that "things have changed but we have not." We still think and operate as if "busy" is the only way to be successful. We go day after day chasing e mails, phone calls, texts, and meetings. We never stop or slow down to allow ourselves any "brain rest." We are always on GO! But in the final analysis busy is an addiction that will not generate success. All too many of us are overwhelmed but we let that stress push us to work harder not smarter. We hear lots about the ability to multitask. NOT if you want to be successful! It is a recipe to FAILURE! The author makes it clear he want to change the way we think about busy. He says rather than bragging about being busy, he wants us to feel at least slightly embarrassed. He suggests the opposite of busy-sustained, focused attention. The point is made that our brains are not made for constant business. In fact, a study out of the University of London reveals that busy lowers our IQ. Our brains have limited processing power at any given time. So we must choose to do what is more important and leave the rest of the stuff go. And Time Management is not helping! In fact, it is making things worse. The author shares and suggests we learn how to divide things into inputs and outputs. Inputs are the things that come to us. Outputs are what we actually do. So the author says the key to success is MASTERY-what we choose to do or not do. We are cautioned about mindlessness. We just do things because they are in front of us but not the best things for us to do. I found it quite interesting how the author says "busyness is like a buffet table." We just keep, piling stuff on our plates, more than we can ever eat. We must come to the point where we say "enough is enough." We must recognize the relationship between the quality of the stuff we do and busyness. We must learn that it is not about rushing around and being impatient. It is about focusing our attention on the important and letting the other stuff go. I won't repeat it hear but the section on "Maintaining Attention," pages 52-56, is a MUST read for busy people. One of the things we find hard to do as busy people is to say NO! Read pages 70-76 for some practical helps. The authors says we have to stop being so productive and become more strategic. We have to stop, playing the "more game." While productivity does have advantages, it will not keep us ahead for the long run.

In conclusion, what do we do with busy? Crabbe offers some very practical suggestions:-Practice strategic focus.-Play to your strengths.-Learn that less is more.-Do the big stuff first.-Have a balanced scorecard.-Innovation is a MUST!-Solve the right problem.-We must build our brand.-We must walk our own path.-Stop procrastinating!-Learn to manage emotions and build confidence.-Get away from more and put values first.-Develop a few good friends. More is not better!-Build your support network.-Work towards affinity, not popularity.-Learn that enjoyment is a performance enhancer.-We must develop and have the joy of commitment.-Learn that boredom is OK!-Allow yourself to have some "Happy Attacks."-Finally, we must make our good intentions stick.

Clearly one of the top books I have read this year. And that is a real compliment from a guy who has read over 200 books a year for over 50 years. You MUST read this book if you feel the pressure of BUSY! Doug NewberryThis was a comfortable and relevant read because I hate being so busy! Life is going by too quickly to be constantly busy, and contrary to common thought Tony Crabbe says ‘time management’ is not the cure. I so welcomed his opinion of time management saying it may make us more efficient but less effective a feeling I have long embraced and now can proclaim!In our present world where the number of friends on Facebook is an achievement I salute his idea of fewer friends, but cultivating true friendships. As a senior I look back on friendships of many years. I enjoy frequent contact with close friends far more than hours spent connecting on Facebook.Today Branding is so important, and I found this book to be helpful in finding a clear and simple brand. And then living up to it. What I didn’t like about the book was the multitude of quotes. Crabbe lists 3 pages of authors from which he drew his arguments and developed his ideas, and 13 pages of notes for the many quotes. It seemed every thought or argument was supported by a quote, documented by one of these authors. It was so frequent that I found it distracting.After reading this book I find myself aware of how busy everyone claims to be, almost as though it were a badge of honor. I hope to refrain from this common response after reading this book. Emily Gilday, MiamiI deeply enjoy reading the book. Usually, when I read a business book, I think that may be the book can be summarized in a nice business magazine article without losing any content. With this book, I feel in the same way, but the difference was that the book is not about just one main topic, which you can condense in one article, you will need at least 3 or 4 articles to cover the interesting topics discussed in the books. And this exactly, what it makes the book word of reading.

The book is not a pure business book, I consider that it is more a business, plus self-help, psychology and new age book. It has like an holistic approach, which makes it especially relevant nowadays.

I think that you can read the book in no particular order and it will be nice too, actually, I will save your time and I will let you know the chapter that you should not miss because they are especially interesting and worth it of your time: Chapter 2, 3,4, 7, 8, 9, 10,11 out of a total of 12 chapters, which is a very good proportion. Think about years ago when you had to purchase a complete CD, just because you like it 1 or 2 songs. With this book, the several interesting chapters included in it make it a very good investment for the reader. Alejandro Silvestre MiamiThis was a good one!As opposed to other books where messages are sometimes lofty and ethereal, this book is very practical, with direct impact on the way to do things. It might not be as hands on as “getting things done” but to my taste is far more understandable and applicable to a wide range of human situations. I find it funny that being a physician making life and death decisions in matter of seconds, I find myself being “good busy” at work, but somehow out of the cocoon of the operating room, I find myself many times scattered, pulled and distracted. We are busy because we want the spotlight, because we can’t disengage, because we are open 24/7.We are busy busy because we don’t want to pay attention.We are busy because we just can’t commit to what’s important.We are busy because it’s easier to say yes than no.The book explores the way busyness creeps into you, destroys the fallacy that we think we can keep up and do it well, and gives you clear pointers about how to reconnect and concentrate your time, your efforts, your real self. Real good book, highly recommend. Miguel CobasThe author got me when he said if you're reading this book, you are probably too busy to read this book. He was right. It was difficult to fit in the time but I am glad I did. Although it was geared mostly toward professional life, there were areas in personal life that were also addressed. Crabbe's big ideas challenge the way we live today with constant access, or overload, of information. With too much, we need to forget the notion of "more" and do less, but do it well, more in depth, and make it something we love. The book is filled with anecdotes of notable characters in history to illustrate different points and also many psychological studies to back up the advice given. The best thing about the book is that it gives concrete suggestions and examples on how to get past the busyness to live better. Some I could use right away at work, like the brain dump, and turning off email notifications. The author doesn't claim every idea as his own, and even lists a large suggested reading section in the back of his book, which is appropriate since he references many other books in conjunction with the organization of ideas in his own. "Eat that frog" is a book and also an idea he presents, for example. My only complaint is that it is a lot of information in one book, and I felt it could have been either shorter, or more organized into do-able, actionable chapters so that a person could work through different steps or ideas more easily. Crabbe attempts to summarize each chapter with "go do" and "experiment" items, which I do appreciate, but as a busy (I guess I am going to try to stop using that word so much!!) working mom of two small girls I want to read a book once through and retain the main points or life changing advice without having to go back and review it again. I will give him the compliment though that I probably take the time to do exactly that! This subject is so important in this overwhelming culture and he does give very good advice that I will be taking. Sarah FreudenbergerThe book was really good and gave great strategies for getting rid of the busy work that is getting in the way of being productive. This would really be good for people that can control some or most of the things that get in the way. Unfortunately, in the corporate world, you can’t really say you won’t do these things. Especially if those things are part of your job responsibilities. There are however some great strategies that everyone can use, regardless of what your job responsibilities are.

One thing I did like about the book was how it summarized each chapter in a way that allowed you to try some or all of the concepts. That way, you could try and implement a few things at a time and see what works best for you.

Most of the things in the book seemed to be recycled common sense idea. But the author does organize the ideas, and add ideas of his own, in such a way that makes this book easy to read and easy to apply to your day-to-day work life. Frank Donn, MiamiAnyone who follows this book club by definition multitasks and is wrapped up in "Busy" activities. Tony Crabbe has a message for us SLOW DOWN smell the roses, and dig deep into a limited selected topic or two. This will make you personally and professionally more efficient and knowledgeable and valuable to your work and family. Focus , Specialize and differentiate yourself, develop new ideas and concepts by sharpening your attention at work and with your family and circle of friends and supporters.Once you develop your new habits keep reinforcing the behavior and all the compulsive "busy" activities will be marginalized and only the more important aspects of life, family, business project development in depth will surface. M Stein, Coral SpringsI finally got out of Facebook, now I'm less busy, and more happy! How is that for a nod of approval for Tony Crabbe's How to Thrive in a World of Too Much. How to thrive? It's all in there: stop managing your time, stop being productive, stop justifying busy, stop having so many friends! Time management ruined it for us because what it taught us, unintentionally or not, was to multi-task. Everybody got on to this treadmill where they thought, "as long as I keep busy, everything will be OK." We turned "flow" into panic. And it wasn't long before all of us, including children started to "tune out" in order to cope. Or not.

This book instruct us, do not say time is money, say time is opportunity. The opportunity to make an impact, a must in this global economy, weighs more heavily than productivity as it does not take the place of differentiation. Consider it. It reminded me a little bit of Arianna Huffington's book Thrive where she introduces the concept of “Third Metric of Success." In the same vein as Crabbe's definition of success, she is aware about money and power being the two the traditional two metrics, but highlights well-being, wisdom, wonder and community giving as the components of a third metric essential for thriving.

When busyness is deliberately sought, sometimes expensively so, it feels more rewarding even as it becomes a slippery slope, a hard one to come back from. In a world of too much, it is better to let life go; if it comes back to you, it is yours; if it doesn't, it never was. The more you hold on to it, the faster it seems to go. Sit under a tree, throw your head back, savor you not-to-go cup of coffee, smile, read this book, earn your "being and nothingness." Get BUSY building your inner resources, tend to your emptiness and getting comfortable with your idleness. Learning to thrive is after all an adaptive challenge. You learn as you go. But don't run. Take your time. Run for what? Nadja AtkinsonIf you have ever wondered why the most popular time management techniques don't seem to work for you, Busy may be just the help you need. Rooted in psychological and change theory and grounded in scientific evidence, the information presented in this work can leave you both inspired and depressed. You will be given many explanations as to why you may have been unsuccessful in accomplishing your "want to's" in life and many suggestions on methodologies to improve both your professional accomplishments and your personal relationships.

Without sounding overly statistical, Busy supports its theories with examples of studies or people who demonstrate what it proposes. The reader is introduced to three essential elements to moving beyond busy: mastery, differentiation, and engagement. The author assists the readers in looking at themselves and making decisions that can impact them both professionally and personally. Each chapter includes a summary of the "Big Message" in case you didn't catch it and some "Go-Do" action steps and things to "Experiment." The concepts are practical and doable and really make a lot of sense. I was shocked to learn that I couldn't name my "15" key relationships.

As a former certified facilitator in one of the most widely used time management techniques, I was fascinated to learn the whys behind behaviors and motivated to do something about areas in which I have always had issues. Tony Crabbe personalized his theories with his own situation without promoting his work or his services. He even suggested the works of other authors that would be of benefit. It is not my practice to relate information to others while I am trying to digest it myself. With this book, I did it often. I was eager to finish and to implement. Sara Jane Hope, Ridgeland, MississippiTony Crabbe tells us how to avoid being too busy! The answer is to develop a plan to become more efficient with a positive attitude toward life. Efficiency is the answer for a less stressful, easier personal life and for a better business plan.Crabbe presents a plan thoroughly explaining the best course of action using a positive attitude. He uses examples of both failures and successes.Some suggestions to become more efficient follow:Put in writing on paper (yes, writing) the most important things to focus on for the day. Now choose 3 !Write down the 3 most important activities in priority order on a post - it note and stick it where you can see it all day long. Before turning on the computer or doing anything else, start working on # 1.It is about attention, not time. One thing at a time. Avoid distractions. Realize you can't do or have everything! Know it is all right to say no! Enough is enough!!!!Optimize your time by taking advantage of time stuck in traffic to listen to language learning tapes for example.Performance is what matters. Put your values first, have clear goals, think positive, remembering that less is more. Too much often results in failure.The lyrics to the song "Accentuate the Positive" by Johnny Mercer/Harold Arlen summarize Tony Crabbe's book perfectly! "Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative and don't mess with mister in-between, along with the rest of the words make a perfect summary! Everything is perfectly clear and makes sense.Enjoy the read!!!! Margot Byrnes, MiamiThe book is filled with plenty of examples of methods of replacing productivity and use thinking, creativity, and attention to create a large picture. Busy is constantly being defined as a work goal of achievement.

The book is divided into three sections Mastery, Differentiation and Engagement. Mastery defined as the present conditions of Busy. Differentiation defined as success. Engagement for defining happiness.

The book makes an interesting read and has a wide variety of ideas and concepts to choose from and apply in our lives. This is a great business psychology book.William Murtada, MiamiOverdosed on advice as to how I can cram more productivity into my hectic days, I was reluctant to take on another volume on the subject. I put my cynicism aside, plunged into “Busy,” and found a horse of an entirely different color. Here was an author spreading the gospel of doing less, not more. Within a few pages I was hooked. After a few chapters, I had done more highlighting, underlining and corner-folding than I have done in my last 10 business books combined. All this in an attempt to hold on to the message of less in a world that keeps asking for more.As the owner of a creative business, and a resident of the 21st century, I flit from task to text to email to meeting, checking items off my to-do list with intensity and fervor. All this gear-shifting creates inefficiency. “Busy” suggests a different approach. Ignore those emails. Undo that to-do list. Make choices and focus on the things that are important, and get to the small stuff during designated bursts. Pursue depth and real relationships instead of the buzz of busyness.If one could really apply its lessons, this book could be a life-changer. If we can make clear choices, employ strategy to rethink our priorities, and devalue busy-ness, maybe we can really succeed on another level. I, for one, am going to try. I’m also sharing it with my family and colleagues, to see if we are all up to the challenge of making ourselves more productive and happier, by making ourselves less busy. Robert Kirkpatrick, Miami BeachThis book presents an interesting thesis: improving time management will increase production, but ultimately reduces quality of life and the quality of your output! We are all having to deal with ever increasing streams of input, whether it is email, social media updates or excessive business meetings for those in middle management. We are so BUSY dealing with the torrents of information coming at us, that we struggle to find time to process all of the information, and have little or no time to get the most important things done.

Crabbe’s reasoning is supported by psychology principals (psychology majors will love this business book), and each section gives great practical tips that define the problem, and then offer practical real life ‘experiments’ to implement to help move from managing information to actually thinking about and engaging in solutions to problems. This is actually productive, and allows us to achieve a much more fulfilling existence.

I found the reading enjoyable, but really appreciate being able to jump to the helpful exercises in each section. In the information age, this book provides a helpful guide to navigating the raging stream and making sense out of the clutter. Doramary Russell, Coral SpringsInteresting book that I thought was another Time Management book…surprise…it's a book that says its okay to manage your attention to what you are doing now and not how to manage your time. In other words, it is okay say no to projects and other tasks in order to concentrate on finishing your current project. It is okay to base your career not on productivity but by considering success on what matters, and how to put these changes into effect.The four sections of BUSY - Mastery, Differentiation, Engagement and Momentum show readers how to manage attention not time. The author shows the reader how to develop a new approach to taking back their life. It does seem like we have all been overwhelmed by the disease of “busy-ness”, especially since the Internet came hugely popular. Our professional and social lives and are ever more and more consumed by a world of “too much”. This book guides us toward becoming healthier, happier and successful as human beings. It presents research and best practices along with interesting stories and strategies to help the reader truly thrive in today’s busy world.“How are you doing?” is usually followed by the response “busy” at some point. All around the world people seem over-whelmed; exhausted; in the face of the machine. We keep up, our technology, but we keep falling behind.What I took away from this book is the following:Stop managing your time!It is no longer possible to do it all, or to get on top: there is too much to do. All time management does is is splinter time into smaller fragments; we cram and squeeze activity into every second of our day; we stay busy, but in doing so, we stop thinking and breathing. So, time management becomes the problem, not the solution!Stop being so productive!Having people “work hard” seemed to be the biggest management challenge! Now in some cases that problem is solved; almost everyone works hard. But we still play the “more game”. We assume if we produce more than others, if we respond more quickly, we will succeed or be more of a success. We probably will not since we cannot put our full effort to making “all” our projects excellent. In fact, all this “productivity” can be seen as a weak substitute for genuine impact and differentiation; the things that matter in the information age.Stop justifying busyBusy is self-defeating. We tell ourselves that we are busy so we can succeed, either for our loved ones or for our happiness. But as we get caught up in this “busyness”, we tend to disconnect from relationships and activities that probably matter more to us. As we disconnect we damage the very relationships and happiness we are trying to improve.Stop having so many friends!Social media is great! We can maintain all those distant relationships that otherwise wither; but there is a downside: it is another demand we have to manage. In simple terms, the greatest benefit from relationships does not come from the many but the few. In actual fact, aiming or being popular may be bad for you, from a health and happiness perspective! Forrest Carper
Busy was an enjoyable read. It details that no matter how occupied we might be in our lives, there is always a way to simplify it. He talks about how it's not enough to just think it, you have to actually change your behavior. This can involve not just our work schedules but our home life, too.
It is important to make wise choices to get the most out of our day. Confidence is a big plus in trying to accomplish this. The author breaks this down in simple tables.
I would recommend this book no matter how busy you are or think you might be. Try to find the time to read it. Terri Bryant, Davie

This book is written for busy people! At the end of each chapter there is an overview of the material covered "The Big Messages" as well as homework to put in practice what we just learned: "Go-Do", very useful for those that only browse through books.

Tony Crabbe discusses the importance of focus, prioritization, problem solving and innovation. The "less is more" philosophy is the theme throughout the book. The target audience is career minded employees, but the chapter about branding (ch. 7) has excellent application for the self-employed and business owners as well.

The "What I have learned" chapter is excellent, because we can see that this book is not theoretical, but empirical. It gives us a glimpse of how the author practiced what he is trying to teach us.

And I also liked the "Other Books to Read" section. All in all great book and worthy of the readers' time regardless of how "busy" we are. Liliana Delara
This book goes to the point and cuts the frosting of the wording. That's why I wasn't "too busy" to read it. Enjoyable, practical reminding us to go to organize priorities and balance your actions of tie consumption. EJ "Henry"Ventura Jr. – Miami
As someone who is guilty of being busy all the time, I was forced to rethink my lifestyle when I read How to Thrive In A World of Too Much Busy. In his book, author Tony Crabbe wakes us up to the reality that many of us are pushing ourselves, driving ourselves to be always on when the body and brain aren't designed for it. Rather than just point out the problem, Crabbe offers solutions. Overall, his solutions are common sense. However, by using research to explain how and why we need to change our daily habits, Crabbe makes busting busy seem possible.

Rather than fall into busy by default, Crabbe tells reader to make our primary driver for activity internal "what do I want to achieve?" He urges us to make tough choices with our time, set limits on too much, and to make time in our day for thinking. He also suggests we stop taking busyness so seriously and inject playfulness into our lives to feel less overwhelmed and more creative.

At a time when distraction is rampant, managing attention has become a hot topic and Crabbe lays out an argument for changing our mindset by focusing on the moment or task at hand. When we get caught up in the relentless washing machine spin of fears and concerns, he wants us to immerse ourselves in a single task and allow ourselves to delay our worries for later. The goal is to maximize chunks of focused time, he asserts.

Where other self-help books focus on time management, Crabbe goes deeper to urge us to think differently and examine our values as we navigate the endless quest for success by doing and acquiring more. Instead of striving for more, Crabbe tells us to focus on doing what we love and where we are strong. At the end of each section he gives readers a Go-Do box with steps to take to change our behavior. Making changes is hard work, especially when by being busy, we actually get to feel productive while procrastinating. Most of us need to figure out a better way to work and live and Crabbe gives us a new, well-thought-out approach to move us toward change.
As someone who is guilty of being busy all the time, I was forced to rethink my lifestyle when I read How to Thrive In A World of Too Much Busy. In his book, author Tony Crabbe wakes us up to the reality that many of us are pushing ourselves, driving ourselves to be always on when the body and brain aren't designed for it. Rather than just point out the problem, Crabbe offers solutions. Overall, his solutions are common sense. However, by using research to explain how and why we need to change our daily habits, Crabbe makes busting busy seem possible.

Rather than fall into busy by default, Crabbe tells reader to make our primary driver for activity internal "what do I want to achieve?" He urges us to make tough choices with our time, set limits on too much, and to make time in our day for thinking. He also suggests we stop taking busyness so seriously and inject playfulness into our lives to feel less overwhelmed and more creative.

At a time when distraction is rampant, managing attention has become a hot topic and Crabbe lays out an argument for changing our mindset by focusing on the moment or task at hand. When we get caught up in the relentless washing machine spin of fears and concerns, he wants us to immerse ourselves in a single task and allow ourselves to delay our worries for later. The goal is to maximize chunks of focused time, he asserts.

Where other self-help books focus on time management, Crabbe goes deeper to urge us to think differently and examine our values as we navigate the endless quest for success by doing and acquiring more. Instead of striving for more, Crabbe tells us to focus on doing what we love and where we are strong. At the end of each section he gives readers a Go-Do box with steps to take to change our behavior. Making changes is hard work, especially when by being busy, we actually get to feel productive while procrastinating. Most of us need to figure out a better way to work and live and Crabbe gives us a new, well-thought-out approach to move us toward change. Cindy Krischer Goodman

There is certainly a lot of books, articles, and videos on one or more aspects of time management. This book has taken a very unique approach while at the same time remaining true to some of the tactics and tools that have been around for decades. The best thing about this book from my perspective was the chapter on Managing Attention in the section of the book referred to as Mastery. The other sections were Differentiation and Engagement. The chapter on attention was one of the more unique approaches to self-help that I’ve read recently. I guess that I had just never thought about getting more done or juggling my time issues in that way. If you read that chapter carefully you will come away with a greater appreciation for managing your focus as a most helpful approach for getting things done. I have often felt myself working mentally with 2 or 3 things at the same time. I think that I enjoyed the intellectual challenge. However, I have found myself recently missing the right brain file or putting in a file and losing it. I do write things down on sticky notes and the author would say that I a good idea.

Today I had a couple of things going on in my brain (this review, writing my blog, reviewing an infograph). The ideas were swirling. I referred to the last couple of pages of my favorite chapter and came across an idea that straightened myself out…I needed to use intentional attention and meandering rather than meandering mind wandering attention. It paid off for me. That is the sign of a book worth reading and keeping as a helpful tool for the future. Bob Preziosi, Davie
Tony Crabbe’s book, HOW TO THRIVE IN A WORLD OF TOO MUCH BUSY (or “BUSY” for short), was one of the best nonfiction books I’ve read in a long time. I’ve enjoyed participating in Richard Pachter’s Business Book Club, and reading some good, not-so-good, and great business and organizational effectiveness books over the years. This one was GREAT! It came at a time in my life where I’m retired, only teach at the university as an adjunct when *I* want to, and have time to share with family and friends here in North Carolina, as well as back in Florida. I love being a grandmother, and being able to help family and good friends out whenever I can…. And I’ve been able to handle “whenever I can” fine – until this past month (when, coincidentally, I was trying to get this book review on “BUSY” back to Mr. Pachter by the deadline!)

I also belong to a wonderful national charitable organization, and our “Gala” was scheduled for this past month. We have a relatively small lodge – just about 50 members – and even smaller volunteer staff of workers. This year, for various reasons, we had even less than the small amount making preparations and following through with preparation, participation, and follow-up of the “Gala.” Well – things HAD to be done, and HAD to be done in a certain way, at a certain time… and, all of a sudden, I was thrust into what I had managed to avoid for the past two years – a world of Too Much Busy!

“Busy” reaffirmed that we all can handle only so many things well before we start mishandling things – getting sloppy, getting irritated, getting sick (including “sick and tired”), and so on. I like the way Crabbe busted busy-ness. In his Preface (as with every chapter of his book), he presented a concept and then gave concrete examples of why he said what he said, backing it up with real-life instances and examples. I found myself agreeing with everything he had to say and loving the way he presented his concepts. I actually feel he helped me make it through some of our last-month crises by reminding me that it doesn’t have to be this way the next time – that there are actions to be taken to survive the world of too much busy.

I want to teach this book! Crabbe covers well-known theories of psychology, education, and business while presenting his concepts, which gives the book even more validity. Chapters such as Stop Managing Your Time! (…and Go Surfing), and Stop Striving for “More”! (Put Your Values First) grab your attention…and would make great speeches with almost any group of people, because the core concepts are those we all face. He ends each chapter with “The Big Messages” or summaries of each chapter, and then has a final GO-DO section of things to do to satisfy the goal, and EXPERIMENT with the concept by trying it out. This is a wonderful way to teach a concept, and Tony Crabbe hits the nail on the head with practical advice on how to change what needs to be changed in your life, your family, and your organizations. Betty G Hubschman – Whitsett, NCRead more...

Monday, March 16, 2015

Let me say first of all that I love reading Seth. I have his first 17 books and I have read them all and they are now in my permanent personal library. And for sure it is no accident they are all best sellers and book 18 will be too.
Before I ever got to really reading Seth's book, a statement on page 17 really grabbed me. It said, "If you're thirsty enough, the world is ready for you, more than ever before." Just reading this statement, I knew I was all in! We are very quickly reminded that it is all about opportunity. We all want to make a difference. But we have to recognize that it ain't always easy and there are no guarantees. All too often we miss seeing the solution to problems that are right in front of us. Seth calls this the Broken Escalator Theory. At issue is the fact that opportunity is all around us. The question is will we let the barriers and limits stop us? Yes there is risk and responsibility but at least we have freedom of choice. Seth makes a profound and scary statement when he says, "the majority of men have not yet acquired the maturity to be independent, to be rational, to be objective." We men need to refuse to surrender our freedom. We find that the cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing. Seth says we have to learn to dance with our own fears. And he says there is nothing wrong with stupid! But we must use stupid to learn. Not everything has to be OK. Failure is not fatal! Seth says the person who fails the most wins. Then we learn that we need dreams but they need to be "concrete dreams." Such dreams give us the what if with the maybe. We are told our world desperately needs truth tellers. We need to see the world as it is and we need to care enough to change things.
Then there is the Marshmallow Test. BUT you are going to have to read about that yourself lest I spoil it by speaking to it. Go read it for yourself.
I agree with Monica Handy who says, to be ready for opportunity we have to "notice, dream, connect, do." To make a real difference we have to grow up and be able to determine what really matters. Chuck Close says, "motivation is for amateurs." We all need motivation because we seek reassurance. Seth speaks to our moods and he challenges us to "do what you should do. Your mood will follow." High expectations and reality sometimes just do not match. We have to understand that tension is not a bad thing. Sometimes we just need to push forward. When opportunity comes we best not be unprepared. We must have done our homework so we are ready. Elon Musk says, "Destiny is in our own hands, if we don't succeed, it's our own fault." The message here is that to succeed, you must try! Seth reminds us that the fear of failure transfers effortlessly into the fear of freedom. If we are not willing to imagine failure then we are not able to be free. The author speaks to pains and he says that if we let the pain of not reaching our potential, WE WON'T. There is no pain free path. The key is to do something that matters! To seek certainty is to lose and fail. And we just must not let fear drive our decisions. Lest we forget, it is never the right time. We just have to step out and make a difference. Seth points out that there is a fundamental difference between being prepared and being ready. He says we are more prepared than we realize. But we are probably not ready, and we can't be ready, unless we are doing something worthwhile. To be successful, we have to show up with mindful effort. Seth says if we really want to suffer, all we have to do is see an impossible world that can't live up to our unreasonable expectations. Michael Shrage points out that both successful organizations and people make change. We have to accept the fact that this might work, this might not. Soren Kierkeguard points out that "not to dare, is to lose oneself."
Seth spends some time talking about "the voice in our brain." He says that voice is describing what you are about to do after a different part of your brain has already initiated the action. Now here is another statement that really grabbed me-"The miracle is not that I finished, the miracle is that I had the courage to start." Rohan Rajiv points out that we create a lot of unhappiness for ourselves by our thoughts of what the world and others owe us. Obligation is not a two-way street! We must not tell ourselves that one day I will be ready. To make a real difference we must be ready and stay ready. Never forget, we are all students and the really good ones show up and say teach me! We must out live the illusion of safety and the mistake of fear. We must be able to distinguish between our needs and being needed.
Page 127 speaks to "LUCK SCHOOL." Researcher Richard Wiseman writes, "My research revealed that lucky people generate good fortune via four basic principles. They are skilled at creating and noticing chance opportunities, make lucky decisions by listening to their intuition, create self-fulfilling prophesies via positive expectations, and adopt a resilient attitude that transforms bad luck into good."
As Seth starts to close, he reminds us that:
Failure is not fun but it is required.
There is no shame in failure.
We all need to adopt Nike's slogan "Just Do It!"
We must not let the encroachment of mediocrity and the appeal of compromise drive us.
We must change things quietly and we must avoid NO-people.
This is a must read book! There is much to take away and apply right away. Doug Newberry

Just Do It, the Nike commercial can easily be applied to Seth Godin's What To Do When it's Your Turn (and it's always your turn) set in and easy to read, almost hard cover book with simple phrases and andecdotes that is just common sense, making you feel that you already know what he has written and you are reading. Fear of stepping out and overcoming your fear is essential to doing it.
Your motivation is thinking that it is always your turn, so don't wait on being asked, just do it. Don't wait for Godot. Grab the brass ring when it comes around to you. Don't procrastinate. All successful people have lived with failure.
The book provides examples of how to overcome fear. Your destiny is in your own hands, As Elon Musk was quoted, "If you don't succeed, its your own fault". This is a practical how do book, that any would be entrepreneur needs to read and digest. The hard part is just starting to do something. The right time is NOW!
You have the chance to change things. When was the last time you did something for the first time? Think about it. Nobody owes you anything. Learn the difference between needs and wants. When asked, its always better to say yes than no. Otherwise you wouldn’t know what you are missing out. Give credit and teach others. Then pass this book on to pay it forward. Barry Epstein, Boca Ratonwww.publicrelations.nu

Wow! I didn't know who the young woman on the cover was, but her steely look in her eyes clearly states "It's my turn whether you like it or not!". Glancing through the format of the book one thinks " what is this?", but after reading the first few pages one realizes that this book is no joke. It is pure, raw truth. How I wish this book was written when I was a youngster, but nonetheless, I will give the extra copy to my daughter who is a Freshman in College and I believe will be of great service to her. i will keep my copy close by to re-read many times over to not only inspire me but make sure that i take my turn.
The author has added no fluff to try and stretch it out to 300 pages, but has managed to put together 158 pages of the most direct truth that I have ever read in one book. This book is about making the decision every day to "live" life with no excuses, and taking full responsibility for ones victories as well as one's failures.
What I got from the book is to never settle, and that regardless of age, circumstances, ethnicity, etc, don't let fear of failure stop you from trying anything in this wonderful journey call life. Esteban Serrano Hollywood, Fl

Making excuses instead of shipping something great? Seth Godin has a punch in the face for you, in book form.
Some readers will dismiss this as yet another horse-apiece Seth Godin book about the importance of doing your own thing. These readers are idiots. If you're not already doing your own thing and shipping it regularly, you need *more*, not less, Seth Godin urging you on. It has never been easier for creative people to produce their own work and share it with the world. All that's standing between you and doing this is your own excuses. Why not break through these artificial barriers and do it? This book will get you started. Scott Wilson Tampa Bay, Floridawww.thatsoftwareguy.com

Forget about any ideas that you have regarding a self-improvement or marketing book. Seth Godin, partly because he's good, partly because he has a great track record and simply because he can, has published what I think is his best production to date. Let me tell you why:
This a thick, heavy paper book that can be read in a couple of hours. At this point you can dismiss it as a series of Facebook posts telling you to be better and work hard. But the problem, you can't dismiss it like that. The book stays with you for days, because it has a remarkable arc, an arc which makes sense.
There are no chapters, or sections, but there is a linear logic, starting from fear to be free to being able to transform your environment, to be uncomfortable, to take your turn. There are multiple snippets that are easy to remember and have immediate, that's-a-good-way-to-look-at-things applicability right off the bat. There are memorable quotes that are developed into coherent ideas, and a lot of personalities that are otherwise unknown gain relevance for small, transcendent acts, like the woman illustrating the cover.
In summary, whether you think you've a stable position in your life (you have not) or are thirsty for pushing the boundaries, this is a great book. Is not deep as a professional thesis, but is a very good place to start. Miguel Cobas, MD

As requested I passed along the second copy of Seth Godin's book to someone else...Doris, a new friend I've recently begun running with twice a week. Our discussions are what we've come to call "running commentary" and we talk about a lot of interesting topics mostly centered around entrepreneurship and business. We first discussed the chosen format for the book which is more like a series of seemingly unrelated blog posts by Seth Godin. He's published 5500 blog posts, so at first I was suspicious that this book was simply a mashup of various posts. However, after I read the book a second time and after more discussions with Doris, I've come to the conclusion that what I thought of as individual blogs are really part of one larger theme which is: to step out of your perceived comfort zone of safety...whether your version of safety is the illusion of a lifetime job or a single career on which you build your life. Godin points out what a false construct this idea of safety has turned out to be. His rallying cry is for people to listen to the inner voice, buckle down, do the work and fulfill your chosen mission...what he cleverly refers to as "shipping." The naysayers, the self-doubt, the constant disappointment no longer matter. What matters is that you do the work and bring something to fruition.
Godin's book title ("What to do When it's Your Turn") and provocative subtitle ({"and it's always your turn"}) encapsulates his observation that this new world is divided into "program or be programmed." For those people who made the decision to program, this book will be further proof that they're on the right track, but for those who've somehow kept their head in the sand and who continue to seek salvation in security, this book will be a frightening revelation. Godin describes the security seeker's mindset: "We may mistakenly believe that the alternative to freedom, the path of merely doing what we're told and constantly seeking stability, is a better way to spend our lives. Of course, it's not. It's not because the people who are promised stability rarely receive it. The promises are broken, again and again, and we've learned not to believe them. The people who are told that everything will be okay are always disappointed when it's not," Godin says.
In this same section he addresses how people make the mistake of waiting until they're sufficiently motivated to make a change or do the work and he claims that this is tied to the need for reassurance. He counters this belief in a short, but cutting quote by photographer and artist Chuck Close: "Motivation is for amateurs." Godin constantly reminds people to take action, but realizes that what causes inaction is fear. He addresses the fear of looking stupid, but says everyone is stupid until they master whatever it is they're trying to learn...he attributes being stupid as part of the learning process.
Godin's book amplifies many of the themes that are being discussed by similar thought leaders such as Derek Sivers who wrote, "Passion and purpose are emotions that come after expertise and experience. The way to get them is to commit to the path of mastery, get great at something, and do great work." It's common for people to wait for a blinding flash of insight to discover their calling or to believe that they have to have an almost religious-like experience with a muse to be struck to work when really, it's just sitting down and committing to the task at hand, making incremental improvements along the way.
In addition to his quotes and insights, Godin also includes interesting nuggets and stories about people who have taken "their turn" and made a difference. The cover photo is Annie Kenney, a British millworker and suffragette. Kenney went to jail for pushing back (taking her turn) when she asked a member of Parliament why women didn't have the right to vote. Intriguing snippets like this one are peppered throughout the book and make it a worthwhile and satisfying read that I'll refer back to again and again. My only criticism is that it lacks a table of contents and an index, so it's difficult to find and refer back to the MANY memorable passages. Kathy D. Doran, M.S.Ed. www.wordrunner.net

What To Do When It's Your Turn feels more like a magazine than a book. It is in full color and illustrated with a variety of pictures, art and graphic designs. Overall, it is a collection of short stories and essays. At times, it was somewhat weird and hard to follow and it almost felt like the author was just thinking at loud. Without a doubt, the writing style is unique. Seth Godin does an excellent job in sharing his values and life philosophy. He is inspirational and encouraging. The overall message is to embrace freedom and have the courage to be authentic and do what we feel passionate about while sharing and helping others. I would have liked to see a more business oriented book more like his usual work but I took it for what it was and inspirational book. I did not know what to make of the numerous typos throughout the book. I even asked myself if it was done on purpose to proof a point. Pilar Somoza North Bay Village

I realize I am probably in the minority here, but I did not like this book. Let me say from the start, I really, really wanted to like it from the moment it (they) arrived. I loved the way it looked & even smelled, with that new book smell. The graphics were great as was the layout & the pictures. I especially loved seeing Shari Lewis' alter ego, Lamp Chop. But I digress.
I almost found this book as kind of a diatribe. The author goes on & on about things of various nature & will comment on them with nonsensical answers. Or maybe it's just because I disagree with a lot of the things he writes. I realize it is his book & his opinions are all that matter here, but I just don't get it. Maybe it's me. Case in point, when he writes about "Scratching itches." He says you can't do anything about an itch. Well, sure you can. You can choose to leave it alone, scratch it or use an ointment on it. Maybe I am taking things too literal, but I found the whole book to be in that vain.
I would not recommend this book. I feel there are better books to spend my time reading and/or to spend $34. on. Sorry. And to paraphrase Mr. Godin, "No, it's not personal." Terri Bryant Davie

What To Do When Its Your Turn is insightful however the message gets lost in the presentation.
The structure of the book gives one the impression that it belongs in a self help section of a school library.
The format lends itself to slogans presented at a business meeting power point presentation rather than in a book.
Would I recommend the content yes just not the book it its current format. Ron Groce Miami Fl.

Prolific author Seth Godin never fails to deliver information designed to motivate, educate, and postulate. This latest offering also offers a variety of examples with which the reader can also commiserate! The varying challenges and situations described throughout the book are skillfully woven into the text to both extoll and cajole (Thanks Harry Belafonte!) to constantly keep the narrative and the reader moving forward.
In addition to the expected nuggets of insight expected from a Godin book, this book offers additional nuances that Godin has previously only allowed to “Peak Through” in his publications. From the moment the reader picks this book up their mind will be racing with a variety of questions. The most immediate aspect of this book that will catch the reader’s attention is the dramatic use of photographs and graphics. Each page utilizes bold and dramatic images and or/graphics to punctuate the specific point being made or to dramatize the story being shared. This is combined with an impressive use of color, splashed throughout the text. This use of colors serves the reader as a continued source of stimulation and at times even curiosity on “Why” a particular color may have been used. The last aspect of this latest entry on the Godin library also incorporates multiple font styles and sizes. Some pages may appear in standard format while the next page may use a completely differ font and size so that a single quote takes up the entire page. Each of these production aspects of this new book collectively challenge the reader to determine what type book is this? Is it a business advice book? A self-help book? A reference book? Or even a Coffee Table Book? For me the answer to this query is “All of the above!” With What To Do When It’s Your Turn, Godin has bridged the gap between each of these types of books and produced a product that could rightly be utilized (and displayed) in each of the settings described.
As with the design and appearance of the book, the content is equally compelling. The major themes throughout the book are consistent 1) you have a choice, 2) the choice is yours alone 3) you may choose incorrectly 4) you learn from all choices and most importantly 5) MAKE A CHOICE! Godin informs readers that the majority of our hesitation in making choices is “all in our heads.” Seth encourages the reader to embrace the mantra “We might fail.” This will offer us the freedom to move ahead, learn to “live with the tension” that choices bring and make choices without fear. Rarely is there 1) a perfect time for a choice, 2) an answer for all of related questions and 3) a guarantee that this will work. Godin concisely states, “We are unprepared to do something for the first time, always.”
Godin’s use of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY) to expand upon the story of Pythagoras and the Fifth Hammer resonated perfectly with me (pun intended!) As the sounds of CSNY flowed through my mind the point of combining different yet complimentary choices gained greater clarity. “There’s no pain-free path. But at least you can do something that matters.” This ability of Godin to weave historical information with current and pop culture event’s and icons is masterful.
This is perhaps my favorite feature of this book over all of the others Godin has authored. The vivid imagery and stories generated truly serve as encouragement as well as sources of new knowledge. As much as I enjoyed reading the text, I equally enjoyed exploring and searching for the examples Godin used. I would encourage all readers to take the additional time to search, explore, read and Listen (CSNY - Déjà Vu) all of the examples mentioned. From Harry Belafonte (see if you can identify what song Godin is referencing!), to Kafka, to Yertle the Turtle (Dr. Suess), to Charles and Jackson Pollock this book is a treasure chest of remarkable information for the reader to explore.
One of the closing remarks Godin offers in this remarkable publication is “Teaching rewards all of us.” Through this work Godin has certainly Andy Gillentine – Columbia, SC

At first glance, this is a book I would never buy for myself. It is a book with 168 pages, if adjusted for spaces, large print, and pictures would amount to closer 50 pages- to me a waste of paper. It seems to be geared toward the internet generation with many one-liners and short essays- the kind of information that one reads in a blog, a facebook page, or a poster. It almost is a book that anyone could put together- just a collection of common expressions or what others might say.
The book is a series of feel good expressions reminiscent of the kind of messages that at one time one use to send in a “hallmark” card to someone depressed to help cheer them up. There is little organization and is a book that one could open up on any page and read and not miss anything. Each page is essentially a comment about a thought- the kind of messages people email to each other.
I personally prefer books that are well organized and have more substance. I buy books for information not fluff. I prefer books with well-developed thoughts. Darlene Johnson, Coconut Grove

As I read Seth Godin’s newest book I was struck by how familiar its message is. Perhaps I could go back into my early life as a hippie and say that this book reminded me of a book I read many times, a book by Ram Das, called Be Here Now, published in 1971. At first it was the format and layout with lots of pictures. As I am visual in my learning and Ram Dass’s book was loaded with lots of pictures. Then as Seth’s message came through more clearly I had the feeling I have read about these same concepts before. Be Here Now was about being present and being filled with love and similarly Godin’s book was about being present, in our lives, as entrepreneurs, partners, parents and the larger goals we are striving for.
Just as being present is about taking responsibility for our lives so is Seth’s book: What to Do Until It’s Your Turn. This book’s perspective and creativity come from someone who is living and writing fifty years after Ram Dass. The message is similar, take responsibility for our lives, contribute and if need be fail. Very often failing is what we are looking for; only at the time it seems to be just the opposite.
Seth wrote in his book teaching others how to do something, doesn’t diminish what we are doing, as we still know how to do what we taught. In teaching others, what we have learned is the ultimate act of love, because now others can teach others. Seth says; take our turns, even if we don’t seem to be ready. Life is too short to live a life of safety, instead find others who are as excited about life as you are and help to inspire them, to take their turn.
I believe anyone would benefit from reading this book. Again not everyone is ready now or they may never be. I found the book to be fun and after all if it isn’t fun then why read it? Tom Hinz Blue Lake, CAwww.tomhinz.com

Godin always delivers. Not because he's always right, but because he practices what he preaches: he simply does. He does without fear of failure - at least he seems like he doesn't fear failure. Failure, or not fearing it, rather is a constant theme in his latest book. The takeaway? Don't bother being afraid to fail, because you will. And it's required. (p 131)
Sometimes, the book reads like a motivational or self-help book. However, Godin believes that "our need for motivation is due to our need for reassurance." (p43) No matter, his book is filled with what can be described as a series of pep talks and quotables. Not a bad thing at all.
Sure enough, Godin reminds us of the perils of mediocrity — always a signpost worth heeding. "Once you start compromising, when do you stop?" (p141) But if it's a lesson on not being boring or mediocre, it's best to refer back to Purple Cow. This book is about taking your turn to create something. Take your turn, because nobody will ever give it you. Patrick Whiteside Miami, Florida

I can't tell you how many times I picked up this, bound collection of thoughts, then put it down in frustration. I thought I was going to love the large print, but, I found the watermark background distracting and the graphics downright annoying. I tried to embrace the compartmentalization. But I just couldn't get past the presentation.
A few positive, yet unoriginal messages were importance of taking action, the silver lining of failures, and benefits of rapport building to make that sale. Ra, ra, and all that great inspiration...
As much as I want to be motivated by the hallway walk or to "Just Do It," I couldn't help but feel I was reading a children's book. So, forgive me for not getting past my objections. To me, this book is a random collection of recycled platitudes. Sorry. Kelly Reid

I truly enjoyed reading this book and loved the writing style Seth applied. The combination of images and short easy-to-read paragraphs, helped me better understand and retain the information. I believe the way we consume information on the Internet has trained us to consume more image rich information tied to bite-size bits of text.
Although each paragraph flows with the next, each one can stand on it's own and is fit to be quoted. I do see more people that are not into reading, potentially picking this book up because of the way it was designed and written. I also believe Seth was on to something when he chose to have people share this book with friends. This is one of those books that is easy to recommend to others.
I see myself referring back to this book to review all the great messages highlighted. Seth hits on so many great life teachings and provided plenty of useful quotes. The one that hit it for me was: " The book that will most change you life is the book you write." Make sure you hit a home run when it's you turn. David Mesas Miami, FLhttps://twitter.com/DFMESAS

At first glance, leafing through the book and seeing the photos, sketches, drawings, pictures, bold titles,
print large and small, upside down writing colored boxes, shading, I thought to myself “What a fun and exciting book to read”.
And, I loved reading it. But, make no mistake. While the terrific presentation grabs the readers’ attention, the message is a serious one,
that is repeated in a multitude of fashions throughout the book including via stories, vignettes, biographies and quotations.
Godin’s directive is: go out there; take risks, don’t settle, don’t be afraid of failure (but embrace it), be your own person,
be a leader and not a follower, “TAKE YOUR TURN” as he phrases it.
The book is not necessarily for the business world although relevant to it, the message conveyed is for the world–at-large over and over again,
in a most delightful fashion. LB Weinstein Miami Beach, FL

The book definitely delivers Seth Godin’s message (Always an invigorating one) with its call for: action, passion, freedom, challenges, risks and urgency.
Seth Godin truly writes in order to effect people. To help them make a change. To push them into action.
Do not get trapped by safety and/or fear but rather take the leap of change and opportunity into truly trying to make a difference.
Open your eyes, choose, dare to take your turn (and it always is your turn).
It is personal, urgent and in-your-face, leaving you no room to hide.
“Just Do it”
It is also inspiring, reminding you of your true authentic self, that is waiting to be unleashed.
You can get over whatever it is that stopping you and do what you truly care about.
Change can be painful but this book helps with the understanding that it is absolutely worthwhile.
You can go ahead and do your better work. Be You!
As Seth Godin puts in his own words “Making a ruckus is the path of love” and I absolutely agree.
On top of that, I love the unusual design/format of the book and I believe it is a big part of the effective delivery of its message.
The fonts, graphics, page layout, page size and even the quality of the paper are all fun and creative. Really yummy.
This makes the book an easy and enjoyable read while you are internalizing its message. Smadar Sasson Miami, FL

A 'collection' of social science based and anecdotal stories, quotes , photographs, and illustrations both graphic and verbal to essentially motivate you to "ship", "do it" and to know its your turn to "take".
The book is written in a somewhat clipped prose style . No long streams of paragraphs however no enumerative series of points either . Mr . Godin is heralded and a prolific writer and this is his latest book to show and cajole one into a productive, fierce and creative life.
The "elevator " parable opens the book, two executives " trapped" on a broken escalator , one screaming out for help the other frustrated and waiting for rescue . They do not see the simple option of merely walking up or down the now immobile escalator to safety. "This is a book about seeing the stuck, getting unstuck, and working within and swimming upstream in a system that often would prefer that you merely stand still. It"s about realizing that it's your turn, always your turn, and understanding that once you see the opportunity, it's yours".
Interesting points about obligation. "Obligation is not a two -way street." "We do good work when we repay a debt. But the feeling of being owed destroys our ability to do good work." "The feeling of being owed is toxic".
While we have to understand that , Mr Godin says this does not let us off the hook of our obligations. The "productive artist" is owed nothing from their audience ....yet the the productive audience "owes the audience, and in unlimited measure."
Mr. Godin goes between just pushing ( "it's your turn") and answering the demon questions that may be holding the creative person back ("one day , I'll be ready" "Shame and Failure"....). While the emphasis is the "push"... He does emphasis responsibility and "thirst " ...of learning and doing. There are many observations and pointers that address what "creativity" means now , today. "What does better mean?". "Today , better means more connected. Something we would miss if it were gone. In the connection economy,better means more human, more vulnerable , the thing that embraces the tension of works/might not work." Brilliant and on the mark.
The emphasis in the book is truly on motivating the individual . The push truly is "it"s your turn ." Not on what you need to acquire for it to be your turn . Through the different anecdotes and question posing he works in through the back door approach of showing the things a truly creative person has . This is important because many times in the work place today many people are not lacking the push of feeling it's always their turn yet do not have for example the knowledge and in many cases the heavy wait of what they are owed, the other persons obligation to them . Very smart advice in "My Boss Won't Let Me "section.... "Steal, give credit and ship..."
He does close with creating with love and a book sharing log in the back of the book ( he is a clever marketer, creating the important buzz).
And yes you will share without hesitation as the format allows for the full bell curve of readers. Heather Lee, Miami Beach, Fl

Dr. Wayne Dyer had written a book, “You’ll See it When You Believe It,” and I think that this philosophy is repeated, and expanded upon, in Godin’s “What to Do When It’s Your Turn (and it’s always your turn).” Both books talk about being presented with Opportunities – and acting on them! Dyer’s book is more of a self-help “trust your instincts” and “go with your gut feelings” manual. Godin has decided to just take a page or two and make a statement – sometimes with an illustration, and sometimes not. Lots of statements there – so something should appeal to just about everyone.
Remember those Positive Thinking posters that used to be all over company walls? Reading through Godin’s newest book, I could see so many of them plastered on the wall, ready to be read, thought about, and acted upon! And “acted upon” is what it’s all about. Godin hits the nail on the head when he talks about people talking about doing something special “when…….. (insert whatever barrier you want here…). “I’ll look for a new job when/after this happens” -- or “I’ll try out that new design or new music (or whatever else you’ve been procrastinating), when………”
Do It Now! Accept the fact that there might be failure – but then again, there might also be success! Godin has stressed this concept in all his books, and this latest book states it again, in short parables and sentences.
Seth Godin is sort of the grandparent I didn’t have…. My family was raised without having extended family around… there were no grandparents, or aunts, or uncles, to guide/mentor us on Life 101. So, with this book, we’re given the opportunity to read, reflect, act upon, and then SHARE these ideas with others, so they can do the same! Spread ideas horizontally – person to person to person – and maybe there can be some positive changes to our community.
Here’s a link to more on Godin’s book: http://www.yourturn.link/Betty G Hubschman, Whitsett, NC

During and after my first reading of this book, I was confused. What was I supposed to get out of this confusing book. I am tired of being told that change happens and having to constantly attend training or read material designed to get me to accept change! I did not like the way it was written nor how the material was presented. But decided to give it another go and read it again!
After this second reading I gradually began to like the book and understood what Seth was writing about. I was really bothered by this writing style because its not what I was expecting even after reading the author's website and Richard's warning. I also began to understand this was not another book about accepting change, but a book about how I have a choice!
So I get it, this book is worth reading not just one time but perhaps three times before a person really starts to take the advice Seth is putting out there...Take charge of your life and live the way you want to. Not for any one else but for you.
You almost feel compelled to consider what you supposed to be doing with your life, what you should be doing and what you are doing. Then after contemplating that, you are asked to think about what might be the next step to make your life your own. Love it!
The author wants the reader to understand not only your own relevance, but also introduces ideas such as not relying on others and not falling into the trap of assuming the world owes you a not only a living but also your own happiness. You are responsible for both!
You have a choice is drummed in to the reader every step of the way. Wonder if Seth Godin was influenced by Stephen Covey and his teachings. You have the choice to say yes or no, to go left or right.
I really enjoyed the idea that we not fear failure or change, but embrace it and most importantly learn from these acts.
Keep this book by your desk or where you put books to be read and read a few pages over and over again!
I did pass one book to a co-worker, after I put my name in it of course. I asked her to pass it on to someone else or keep it...its her choice. I will encourage my daughter and son to read this book as well as their spouses...I want it back though. ;-) Forrest Carper

The unique format of Seth Godin's latest book is an attention getter!
While attracting attention with beautiful pictures, it intrigues the potential reader enough to pick up the book to discover what the book is actually about......opportunity and the freedom to use it. The book encourages and inspires someone to learn new things, create new ideas, or just do something you always wanted to do.
Take the opportunity to make things happen and change for the better.
Godin gives encouragement to "Go for it! Why wait to be ready? Your idea is important and it just might work. Think what you would have missed for not even trying!" There's no guarantee of success, but something will happen. If it's not what you are looking for, try another way.
This is the kind of book that should be read more than once and the perfect book to discuss with others to share thoughts, ideas, and information gleaned from it. It is full of examples and reasons to go ahead with your ideas without fear of failure. Each time I read it, I found something I hadn't seen before or something that clicked that didn't before. It's too much to absorb all at once in one reading.
Discussing Godin's book with others is the best way to get the most inspiration to seize the day, do more, and follow your dreams.
In Parade Magazine on March 1 this year, there was an article "Anything is Possible"... Everyday people are changing the world. In my head I could hear Seth Godin say.......Now it's your turn to be one of those people! Margot Byrnes Miami, Florida

I like how Seth Godin combines the book with historical tidbits about historical figures with an invitation to take our turn in the making of our ruckus: "Go, take your turn," he says. How apt that I started reading this book today, Women's International Day as the face that jumps out at me from the cover of the book is that of Annie Kenney, a 19th Century mill worker from England who upon asking a member of Parliament his position on the right to vote refused to answer prompting Annie to make her own ruckus. And the rest, as they say, is history. This is what all of us must learn to do because this is how maps get charted into totally unexpected new worlds.
Whatever you do, don't just read the book for the sake of reading it even though it is that good. As Godin himself, points out "Books don't change people. People change people. As much as we're inclined to think that we're insignificant, the truth is that each one of us holds enough power to set the whole world on fire. This book is about that. About doing things without worrying if there is price tag attached to it. About bringing in ideas that will change the world taking it all the way to the beginning: your world. So that you are not timid about spilling those ideas into your community. Together, we make change possible. This book is about "making noise and letting "them" know, you're there!"
If you are willing to give your all, that is. As the book reminds us, many of us doubt ourselves because we are torn between certainty and taking a risk, between circumstance and creative choice, between the familiar and the unknown. In short, it is the Fear of Freedom as displayed in one of the pages of the book, but then Godin reassures us by way of a "memo" and I quote: "Mostly, a memo to the struggling human who faces the abyss of taking a turn and is sure that this is the end of everything: it's not." Aaaah, beautiful ! It is a mistake to buy into the illusion that such opportunity is only available to a few chosen ones when in reality we are all chosen. Just as Annie had the courage to rise up to the occasion, this book is an invitation to stop giving up our turn at every turn. Nadja Atkinson Miami, FL.www.cafeconlechefund.org

When I first received the book I said, "What a weird book." Upon further review I said, "Wow this looks like a great , inspiring, positive, upbeat book." Then I opened it and to my surprise, there were pictures. Interested before even beginning to read it. Love the titles of the other books of the author. The reader gets a feel you're in for an exciting journey.
I loved the idea of dancing with fear and doing what you love anyway. Gives the reader the courage to go past the fear and walk through the door of the unknown.
By the time I was half way through with the book I felt this urging deep inside to remember my childhood dreams. I found myself on a journey into the depth of my inner imagination and started to feel my creative juices flowing.
As the book took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions I found it refreshing to laugh at myself and my resistance to the words and the unspoken action that would widen my world and the world of those about me.
The book not only gives the reader the courage to try but the knowledge that others have failed/feared and walked through to a new experience. The book is full of interesting facts that kept me interested and excited with every turn of the page. The anticipation of what's next was intriguing,
This book makes you want to write a book so I'm going to stop now as I could go on and on about what a marvelous read this was. Deborah Harris, Hallandale Beach, FL

Ok, so now it’s my turn, and after reading Seth Godin’s latest I find it hard to organize my thoughts and write. I like to write, and have never felt fearful, but this book makes one fearful. Or maybe it makes me wonder why I wasn’t fearful.
I love to read, but I didn’t enjoy this book. The book is definitely different and interesting and perhaps would encourage people who do not normally like to read. I had no issue with the format, but rather with the cluttered ramblings that came across too negative for my taste. I felt as though I was being chastised for things I am not guilty of.
Godin writes of everyone being afraid to take their turn, whereas I would be annoyed if I didn’t get my turn. Perhaps the book is a wake-up call for those afraid to start, afraid of failure, or just plain afraid, but this negative approach just irritated me. Emily Gilday

Seth Godin has this way of reaching at once into your mind and your heart to make you revisit something you thought you understood, and asking you to look at it from a completely different standpoint. His latest work, WHAT TO DO WHEN IT'S YOUR TURN (and it's always your turn), is an enjoyable read about identifying and committing to your life's purpose and taking your turn instead of hiding behind fear, procrastination and self-seeking guarantees of certainty of security. This is what Seth calls the work of a grownup - "Embracing the fear of freedom, deciding to determine your own path, this is the work of a grownup, of someone who can identify what truly matters."
WHAT TO DO WHEN IT'S YOUR TURN is a must-read for any intelligent life form who has been educated in American universities, where we are subtly taught to only take our turn when we are told to, where we are groomed for working in an industrial-age workplace where roles are defined from without, and compliance seems a necessary trade-off for promotions, raises, and climbing the ladder. Seth invites us to let go of these rigid roles, and he insists that we let go of the guarantees which seduce us into abdicating our potential and choosing mediocrity and compromise. He lets us know that making friends with fear, failure, and responsibility leads the way to living an authentic, creative life.
This colorful, simple, entertaining, and stimulating treatise extends the most delicious invitation - to make our gift to society by rising up, overcoming fear, and becoming the fullness of ourselves. "People who are open to uncertainty are the pathfinders for the rest of us..." and as Ernest Hemingway reminds us, "You'll ache, and you're going to love it. It will crush you. And you're still going to love all of it. Doesn't it sound lovely beyond belief?" Trish Caballero

People can identify their own fears, but this book takes it further into looking at what is behind the fear itself. We learn to allow ourselves the thought that “not everything has to be okay”.
I admired the concept of the “fifth hammer” which shows that you don’t have to follow the rules to have a greater impact. Whether you fierce and need more motivation or merely curious about getting started and embrace the fear to gain more freedom — this book is very worthwhile. Peter Kihn

Giving. This is one of the most genuine, thoughtful and giving books and I’d like to say thank you! Like the egg-white omelet, this book is remarkable. The level of visual appeal and detail from the front foldout cover to the back is exquisite. Advice, explanation, and a compelling story told by a caring teacher. Nothing left up to interpretation. Seth shares his concern by simplistic clarity in every message. His repetition to keep you engaged, and recall the last example is designed to ensure you don’t forget. Leading by example in the tone of selflessness and caring of sharing the message to take your turn.
We live in a world of sound bites. Seth takes compelling, relatable stories told in such precision that each scenario can be clearly summarized in less than ten words. For many people, a voice of support, empowerment and direction is not present. This is the present from Seth for anyone to accept and embrace what is out there for you.
Seth asks the tough questions. The tough questions we might hire a strategic life coach to push us past our limits. The fears, thoughts and feelings everyone is having, but no one will talk about are uncovered and exposed. This book is written for everybody. No boundaries of who you are, where you come from or where you want to go. This book is for you. This is really a guide for a healthy approach to take ownership, get out of your own way, recognize those that are encouraging the noises in your head and giving you permission to change course and take your turn. Angie Stone

I was introduced to Seth Godin through this book review club. I have been fortunate to have been able to read and review interesting and thought-provoking works such as Free Prize Inside, All Marketers are Liars, and The Big Moo. All were great reads, with useful and wise theses on a wide-range of topics.
While I enjoyed his latest book, What To Do When It's Your Turn, it didn't give me any of the "ah-ha" moments of his previous titles. What To Do felt, in a way, recycled. There were some interesting stories of how people embraced conflict and took risks. It turned into a written pep talk on getting out and trying to become the change you wish to see in the world.
Deep down, it feels like this book is merely a vehicle for Godin's attempt to find a new way to distribute books (including providing the book club reviewers with two books - one to share). Its format (more a glossy magazine than a book) over function.
I fought with it. In the end, however, I understood that Godin was practicing what the book preached - doing something different, trying to push the edges and make something new. Godin continues to do what he loves in new and interesting ways, and I look forward to reading his next book. Isn't that what this is all about? Scott D. Rembold Coral Gables, FL

He has done it again; Set Godin talking a new spin on the presentation of content; in his new book entitled What to Do When It’s Your Turn he explored a series of business related concepts
In a true act of marketing master, Seth engages the readers through series of eye catching photos, large fonts and typical devotes one topic per page. While interweaving anecdotes and stories Seth keeps the reader on the edge of their seat as the book unfolds the story one at a time.
It is hard to ignore the hard work that went into the identification collection and integration of facts in this book. Mind (and also eye/…) catching phrases such as the Illusion of the safety are featured alongside topics such as Bravery and Courage are for other people.
The artistic elements of this book are overwhelming the simple reader. This is not your run of the mill marketing book nor is it a text book for business people. Its beauty is in the subliminal messages that create a visual image of the concepts as one progress through the pages. The book’s unusual size and quality of the paper adding to the overall reading experience. Doron Zilbershtein

I've read several marketing books by Seth Godin, all of them very creative and marketing oriented.
However, "What to Do When Its Your Turn" is more a an overall life perspective book. Page after page of stories, pictures and wisdom--on how we need to prepare ourselves for greatness with accepting your freedom as a gift as a major them throughout.
The book is for entrepreneurs, those considering entrepreneurship, and family dealing with the human condition and the fact that it is always our turn to be ready for the next turn in life. The pictures and layout of the book bring it to one continuous journey of life lessons. I am giving the second copy to one of my sons, as he is discovering the lessons of life just out of school and Seth Godin's essays are extremely thought provoking.
I think it is best enjoyed a few pages at a time, stopping and meditating on the relevance to our own lives as reader, human being, and person committed to our own success.
Great inspiring essays deal with subjects such as "The Person who Fails Most, Wins" (it means you are staying in the game), "Fear of Stupidity" (it isn't being stupid that is the problem, it is the feeling we often associate with it), "When is the right time" (never is, so we need to grab the moment--how much I could relate to this having brought up a family), "Free will and the play-by-play in your head (how self-talk affects us), "One day, I'll be ready" (some people are not thirsty enough or as Les Brown says, "You've got to be HUNGRY"), "Program or be programmed" ("Either you're the creator or you're the audience. Either you're waiting your turn or taking it), and so many more gems of wisdom by Seth Godin punctuated with wonderful relevant photography interspersed.
This was a surprising book as it talked about the challenges of being human and being ready for the next experience around the corner. I highly recommend it. Randy B. Lichtman, Miami, FL.Read more...